tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11417489531336337502018-03-08T09:18:23.970-06:00Life at 1572Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16099751964687752616noreply@blogger.comBlogger432125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1141748953133633750.post-68572693067210428872014-01-23T22:46:00.000-06:002014-01-23T22:46:33.832-06:00So Here We Go<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Here it is 2014. &nbsp;I'm not really making any resolutions this year. &nbsp;One thing that has been eating at the back of my brain has been getting back to blogging. &nbsp;I think of so many stories I want to get written down, and I have&nbsp;so many ideas, but they just never make it here. &nbsp;So I am going &nbsp;<i>really</i>&nbsp;try to do more blogging this year. &nbsp;To actually keep up on what is going on around us. &nbsp;</span><div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Now, I'm just not sure where I want this space to go. &nbsp;Maybe this is going &nbsp;be a rant about&nbsp;how I feel, a journal for us to remember&nbsp;the things that we have&nbsp;done and our journey&nbsp;as a family, or maybe it is going to just be about how I'm trying to remember to keep the damn goldfish alive because like I really need one more thing to worry about. &nbsp;Whatever it is I hope it is more. &nbsp;</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Right now I am feeling a little stressed. Zach is gone for 6 weeks for training in California. &nbsp;While him being gone doesn't really stress me out it is the little things that just add up. &nbsp;Before he left I asked him if he had any ideas of things I could do to make his time away easier on myself and the boys. &nbsp;Of course he came up with nothing. &nbsp;I thought about the stressful parts of my day. &nbsp;The things that really seem to be the most difficult around here. &nbsp;</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1. The dishes</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2. The laundry</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">3. After school/dinner</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">4. Going out to do things</span></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I've been brainstorming on ways I can try to relieve&nbsp;some of the stress from these areas in my life. &nbsp;Starting with the dishes. &nbsp;I don't know what, but I hate dealing with the dishes. &nbsp;I hate loading and unloading the dishwasher. &nbsp;I hate them piling up in our sink. &nbsp;I hate how our dishwasher is horrible, and doesn't clean them the right way anyway and how you can't fit everything you need to in there. &nbsp;So other than going all paper plates and plastic utensils I've been thinking about what I could do in this area. &nbsp;I've decided on an experiment. &nbsp;I've set aside the three of us each our own place setting 1 plate, 1 bowl, and Jack and I have a larger bowl that we sometimes like to use. &nbsp;I moved all the other dishes up out of the way so I won't be tempted to just grab them. &nbsp;I figured this way I can choose to use the paper plates we have, or hand wash&nbsp;our dishes after each meal. &nbsp;I don't love hand washing&nbsp;dishes either, but hey it is done and over with. &nbsp;I'm going to see if this eases some of my stress and hatred towards the dishes. &nbsp;I figure baby steps. &nbsp;See what works. &nbsp;</span></div>Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16099751964687752616noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1141748953133633750.post-20418373175129182662013-05-28T13:58:00.002-05:002013-05-28T13:59:46.928-05:00Last Day Of Kindergarten<div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/11088994@N06/8870267278/" title="Untitled by Amy W. Photos, on Flickr"><img alt="Untitled" height="640" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2827/8870267278_1b593aaee5_z.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div>Jack had his last day of kindergarten today. &nbsp;He's a big first grader now. &nbsp;That is hard to believe. &nbsp;Sometimes I look at this tall lanky kid, and I wonder where he came from. &nbsp;He's so big. &nbsp;It really does go so fast. &nbsp;He's so sweet, such a big heart. I'm amazed with all the thing she learned this year. &nbsp;Such a boom for him socially and academically. &nbsp;I can't imagine what first grade is going to bring for us. &nbsp;We are so proud of him, and all of the things he has accomplished this year. &nbsp;It is a blessing to watch him grow. &nbsp;Becoming his own person more and more. <br /><div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I just made him crawl into my lap and let me love on him. &nbsp;Let me give him kisses and stare at the spattering of cute freckles across his nose. &nbsp;I hope he lets me do that when he's seven. &nbsp;Six is so magical, I love this age he's a fun kid.</span></div>Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16099751964687752616noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1141748953133633750.post-51430678490192640522013-05-20T15:11:00.000-05:002013-05-20T19:31:16.242-05:00Wading and Waiting<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I kind of feel like we got jipped out of the weekend, it went by so quickly. &nbsp;Zach had mini bootcamp with his poolees all day Saturday. &nbsp;We were sure missing him after him being gone all week in St. Louis. &nbsp;He came home fried and dead. &nbsp;We made it through half of a movie before calling it a night. &nbsp;</span><br /><div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I can't tell you how much I look forward to Sundays now that we have found a church we like. &nbsp;It is one of those bigger churches with a huge congregation. &nbsp;We've been going for a little over a month I think. &nbsp;When we first stepped into the church I got an overwhelming feeling. &nbsp;It felt like home. &nbsp;It felt amazing. &nbsp;It was very similar to our church The Rock that we attended in San Diego. &nbsp;My only regret is that we didn't try this church sooner.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When we first moved here we thought we would try a smaller church. &nbsp;That it might be a better way for us to connect with the community and make some friends. &nbsp;I'll admit we didn't try very hard to find a church home, and we just tried the one. &nbsp;We tried to make it work, but it just didn't fit us. &nbsp;We liked the Pastor, but we couldn't get into the music and songs they sang. &nbsp; &nbsp;The church really pushed community and fellowship, but all we felt was left out. &nbsp;Everyone already seemed to know one another, and even though we were going every week the same people kept introducing themselves to us. &nbsp;We felt a bit&nbsp;invisible. &nbsp;It didn't help that with Zach's work hours we couldn't ever attend the small groups that met in the week during the evening. &nbsp;So we stopped going, and we didn't look for any other churches. &nbsp;</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I really felt God telling me we needed to be in church. &nbsp;That we needed to find a place to go. &nbsp;I tried to ignore it, but God is hard to ignore. &nbsp;So we decided one weekend to try our new church, and we all love it! &nbsp;Jack can't wait for Sunday school. &nbsp;It fills my heart to see him so excited, saying he can't wait to see his Sunday school teacher. &nbsp;</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Back to our weekend.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Zach was kind to let me sleep in on Sunday. &nbsp;Poor thing was up at first morning light. &nbsp;We really need something to block out the light in our bedroom. &nbsp;I can sleep through anything, and I did it was great. &nbsp;We go to the late service in the afternoon, so we have plenty of time to relax a bit in the morning. &nbsp;</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This Sunday's service was&nbsp;particularly&nbsp;poignant&nbsp;to our lives right now. &nbsp;We are working through a passage about journeys about Joseph, son of Israel and his brothers. &nbsp;It brought tears to my eyes thinking about our journey right now in life. &nbsp;Dealing with the unknowns of Zach's job, and the crossroads before us. &nbsp;At the end of the service they asked for people to come down for prayer and for healing. &nbsp;Everything in me was telling me that we needed to go, but I was hesitant. &nbsp;I've never made a step like that in church before. &nbsp;I kept singing and watching others walk down to the front, and God kept shouting at me to go. &nbsp;I turned to Zach and asked if he felt he should go himself, and he gave me a firm no, almost sounding upset. &nbsp;So I kept singing and God kept telling me I make a move. &nbsp;So I asked Zach if he would go down with me, and he agreed. &nbsp;An Elder prayed for us and our situation. &nbsp;I thanked Zach for going down with me. &nbsp;</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The service ended and we picked up the boys. &nbsp;Both happy as could be. &nbsp;As we were leaving church walking to the car Zach turned to me and said, "Don't thank me for going with you. &nbsp;Thank you for taking me down there." &nbsp;My heart just filled. &nbsp;He told me he knew he needed to go down there, but wouldn't have made the&nbsp;decision&nbsp;on his own. &nbsp;I feel so blessed knowing God is working on both of our hearts. &nbsp;</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The rest of the day was filled with the usual Sunday chores. &nbsp;The grass had to be mowed. &nbsp;Zach worked on the brakes of the car. &nbsp;I'm so proud of him for that. &nbsp;Something that I know is difficult, and he gave it a go anyway. &nbsp;He should be able to complete them next weekend. &nbsp;I spur of the moment bought a cheap baby wading pool that was on sale at Toys R' Us. &nbsp;I thought it might give Grayson a bit of entertainment outside, but Jack insisted on getting in it too. &nbsp;It was quite comical. &nbsp;They loved it, and our neighbor came out and joined us. &nbsp;It was lovely. &nbsp;Hopefully, we can spend a few more hot days like that this summer. &nbsp;Pictures to come. &nbsp;</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I hope you all had a great weekend. &nbsp;I'm already ready for the next one!&nbsp;</span></div>Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16099751964687752616noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1141748953133633750.post-64331925320709925942013-05-14T22:43:00.001-05:002013-05-14T22:43:40.776-05:00Grayson 14 months<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Little man is getting so big. &nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">He's saying several words Dadda, Mama, hi, bye-bye, and up. &nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">He's crawling all over the house. &nbsp;He pulls up and cruises from one object to the next. &nbsp;Still no interest in standing on his own or walking. &nbsp;He's proven to us that all of these things will happen in his own time.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I think about his personality, and I'm not sure how to describe him. &nbsp;I wouldn't call him wild, but he's not Mr. Laid Back either. &nbsp;He's busy. &nbsp;Busy all the time. &nbsp;</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">He and I have been butting heads the past few days. &nbsp;He has been very clingy. &nbsp;Wants to be right with me, and he wants to be held. &nbsp;Holding up his arms whining and crying. &nbsp;I was telling Zach that I don't really remember Jack ever being that way. &nbsp;The thing is Grayson doesn't like to cuddle. &nbsp;He might want you to be holding him, but he's not going to be still while you are doing it. &nbsp;He's busy twisting his body all around to check everything out. &nbsp;Busy talking. Busy pointing at everything. &nbsp;It makes me really tired. &nbsp;I wouldn't mind him wanting to cling to me so much if he would just sit calmly on my lap. &nbsp;Nope not this boy. &nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">He has a temper. &nbsp;Something we NEVER saw with his brother. &nbsp;Jack never ever through a fit. &nbsp;Not once. &nbsp;We were very lucky. &nbsp;I'm pretty sure Grayson will have fit throwing mastered by age two. &nbsp;Grayson is so much more ornery than Jack ever was. &nbsp;I say he's just a little less sweet, and a bit more mischievous. &nbsp;He's quick to get mad (Lord help me) and he's already thrown himself down a few times kicking and throwing his legs around. &nbsp;Luckily, these aren't everyday occurrences. &nbsp;Yet.&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">He's a fairly good eater. &nbsp;He won't eat meat. &nbsp;Once in a while he'll take a few bites of a hamburger, but usually just spits it back out. &nbsp;He's my little vegetarian. &nbsp;He doesn't like carrots either. &nbsp;I've tried to give them to him several times. &nbsp;Sometimes I can sneak a few in, but he usually spits them out. &nbsp;Other than that he's a good eater. &nbsp;He likes to feed himself, but halfway through the meal he gets lazy. &nbsp;I have to feed him the rest. &nbsp;He just has his two bottom teeth so I'm always surprised at all the stuff he manages to eat. &nbsp;His favorites right now are green beans, strawberries (he can eat an entire container himself), black beans, and cauliflower. &nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16099751964687752616noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1141748953133633750.post-50077016448923856812013-05-14T22:42:00.002-05:002013-05-14T22:42:46.468-05:00The School Year Is Coming To A Close<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Jack is finishing up his first year of school. &nbsp;His kindergarten year is almost over. &nbsp;We are both getting very excited about summer. &nbsp;He said he's going to miss his friends, but that he's looking forward to being home to spend time with me. &nbsp;(Melt my heart. I don't think I'll have very many more summers of that) &nbsp;I know I am at the point where I am looking forward to it being finished. &nbsp;It has been a great year, but there isn't much more he can do. &nbsp;It is getting a little tedious. &nbsp;</span><br /><div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">He really has a fantastic year. &nbsp;Learning so much. &nbsp;Testing above average, and reading above his grade level. &nbsp;That makes me so proud. &nbsp;Reading isn't always so easy for boys, and I hope he keeps up his love of books. &nbsp;He's had his struggles too. &nbsp;He's a slow worker often coming home with assignments still left to work on. &nbsp;He's had a hard time working independently. &nbsp;His teacher has said he's made great strides that second half of the year. &nbsp;</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In the beginning and middle of the year he really had a problem with talking. &nbsp;He'd come home with a bad report, and it was always for talking. &nbsp;It didn't surprise me in the least. &nbsp;He is Mr. Chatty Cathy. &nbsp;He talks non-stop when he's here with us. &nbsp;To us, to himself, just talk, talk, talk. &nbsp;I think some of it comes from being like an only child. &nbsp;He has to entertain himself. &nbsp;He and I have had long hard talks about following the rules, and being quiet. &nbsp;These last few months he's had nothing but good reports I'm so proud of his efforts. &nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">His reading skills impress me everyday. &nbsp;He loves to bring home his weekly library book. &nbsp;I wish I had kept track of the titles he's picked. &nbsp;It is always a surprise. &nbsp;We got a letter from his teacher telling us he's reading above his grade level. &nbsp;I was playing the waiting game at the doctor's office the other day, and I asked him to read me the signs around the room. &nbsp;He came to one, and read the world diabetes. &nbsp;He read it without stumbling and pronounced it right and everything. &nbsp;That shocked me. &nbsp;I'm excited to start reading chapter books together before bed. &nbsp;He's asking to start the Magic Treehouse series. &nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></div>Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16099751964687752616noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1141748953133633750.post-63217833319381902262013-05-14T22:42:00.001-05:002013-05-14T22:42:12.950-05:00Picnic Lunch<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Grayson, decided to sleep half the day today. &nbsp;He didn't get up until 11:45. &nbsp;It was supposed to be a gorgeous day so I decided we were going to get out of the house, and enjoy it. &nbsp;At about 9:00 in the morning I packed lunches, and I got everything ready for a fun picnic at the park. &nbsp;Then we waited and waited for Grayson to get up. &nbsp;I was glad to see him sleep in though. &nbsp;He hasn't been napping very well. &nbsp;Trying to drop either his morning or afternoon nap, and this has left him quite cranky everyday.&nbsp;</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ujzcK991HdM/UZL8XeMI8NI/AAAAAAAABwc/cSM-7JLvwGg/s1600/20130514_8491.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ujzcK991HdM/UZL8XeMI8NI/AAAAAAAABwc/cSM-7JLvwGg/s400/20130514_8491.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We made it to the park, and set out our spread. &nbsp;I can't seem to leave the house these days without a&nbsp;suitcase&nbsp;of stuff. &nbsp;Everyone has to have their drinks, and snacks, and extra stuff crammed into a bag. &nbsp;We picked a shady spot and the boys chowed down on their pb&amp;j's. &nbsp;</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--r-Eg8_6-os/UZL8X-X8TKI/AAAAAAAABwk/y88gR5iaF78/s1600/20130514_8493.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--r-Eg8_6-os/UZL8X-X8TKI/AAAAAAAABwk/y88gR5iaF78/s400/20130514_8493.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yQWA7khw1GM/UZL8YPtxE5I/AAAAAAAABws/wvEZyQb7nNM/s1600/20130514_8499.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yQWA7khw1GM/UZL8YPtxE5I/AAAAAAAABws/wvEZyQb7nNM/s400/20130514_8499.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Jackson found a stick and he decided it was fun to throw it all around the open grass. &nbsp;He also ran tree to tree having me time him with the stopwatch on my phone. &nbsp;Grayson headed out to try to chase his big brother. &nbsp;I loved the trail of grass he left behind him as he crawled. &nbsp;He's not afraid of anything. &nbsp;The dirt and grass don't bother him at all. &nbsp;He also loves to find a good stick. &nbsp;He starts&nbsp;swinging&nbsp;them&nbsp;wildly, and they all become swords. &nbsp;Something he has learned from his big brother.&nbsp;</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-i3L1h-yNUi8/UZL8dUkX4ZI/AAAAAAAABxA/pUJ5KJCyxms/s1600/20130514_8506.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-i3L1h-yNUi8/UZL8dUkX4ZI/AAAAAAAABxA/pUJ5KJCyxms/s400/20130514_8506.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We took some time for the playground too. &nbsp;Grayson on the swings, they get his tummy so he doesn't last long on them. &nbsp;Then both boys climbing on the&nbsp;equipment. &nbsp;I've noticed the changes in Jack, and how he plays on the playground since he's been going to school. &nbsp;Slides and equipment he was once&nbsp;cautious&nbsp;about he's playing on with no hesitation. &nbsp;He's quick to turn&nbsp;around&nbsp;and go down the big twisty slide backwards, something he wouldn't have done before. &nbsp;He climbs higher and he goes faster. &nbsp;It amazes me to sit back and watch him. &nbsp;Just something else he's accomplished in his time aways from me. &nbsp;He's getting so big and so brave. &nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Grayson also likes to be brave on the playground equipment. &nbsp;He uses the time to practice getting up the stairs. &nbsp;He's not quite sure how to get down them just yet. &nbsp;He had fun chasing Jack in the tube. &nbsp;He never had enough grip to make it to the top so he'd just slide back down and start again. &nbsp;He and I had fun going down the twisty slide together. &nbsp;I'm braver at the park too this spring, Dad is usually the go-to guy for playing at the park. &nbsp;</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3AiaSBQjpT0/UZL8c8rR81I/AAAAAAAABw0/rM8pVaOenAU/s1600/20130514_8512.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3AiaSBQjpT0/UZL8c8rR81I/AAAAAAAABw0/rM8pVaOenAU/s400/20130514_8512.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2zmYYp-38us/UZL8dT1kR1I/AAAAAAAABw8/yoTiGd6EAvQ/s1600/20130514_8516.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2zmYYp-38us/UZL8dT1kR1I/AAAAAAAABw8/yoTiGd6EAvQ/s400/20130514_8516.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GedxQSFZGyw/UZL8d_vnM8I/AAAAAAAABxE/nQHEQ8F72Bk/s1600/20130514_8520.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="380" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GedxQSFZGyw/UZL8d_vnM8I/AAAAAAAABxE/nQHEQ8F72Bk/s400/20130514_8520.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Zl_GqslxSxg/UZL8eLWnaPI/AAAAAAAABxM/ngOcQW9YRWU/s1600/20130514_8523.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Zl_GqslxSxg/UZL8eLWnaPI/AAAAAAAABxM/ngOcQW9YRWU/s400/20130514_8523.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EfgWAdnOGog/UZL8iXZ5n8I/AAAAAAAABxo/s9gPs4ikENE/s1600/20130514_8556.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EfgWAdnOGog/UZL8iXZ5n8I/AAAAAAAABxo/s9gPs4ikENE/s400/20130514_8556.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This is what you can find Jack doing most of the time when he's outside, digging in the dirt. &nbsp;He loves it. &nbsp;He goes in our backyard and just digs holes forever. &nbsp;Pretending to have a construction site. &nbsp;Today he was pretending to have&nbsp;dinosaur&nbsp;bones to dig up. &nbsp;Had to get a picture of him digging and&nbsp;squatting. &nbsp;Zach and I laugh at this stance he takes. &nbsp;He's done it since he was a baby, and he can sit like that forever. &nbsp;Maybe, he'll be a catcher one day. &nbsp;</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BiXey4zA7SE/UZL8iMpCCDI/AAAAAAAABxk/ZSmgB7sGFLw/s1600/20130514_8527.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BiXey4zA7SE/UZL8iMpCCDI/AAAAAAAABxk/ZSmgB7sGFLw/s400/20130514_8527.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Of course what do you have to do after hours at the park on a hot day? You have to stop and get&nbsp;ice cream. &nbsp;No, pictures but both boys enjoyed it. &nbsp;Then what do you have to do after you get ice cream? You have to go to Hobby Lobby of course&nbsp;because&nbsp;it is right across the street. &nbsp; &nbsp;</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">One of my favorite stores to wander around. &nbsp;I love all the things. &nbsp;We did pick up another sword. &nbsp;Jack has a foam sword from there that he's had forever, but his is broke in half. &nbsp;This makes it the perfect size for Grayson though, and he loves to play with it. &nbsp;So we stopped and picked up a new sword for Jack so he can keep up with the wild boy play that goes on with his brother and Dad.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It was a beautiful day, and I hope the beginning of more fun filled days as our summer&nbsp;approaches. Ten more days left of school, not that I'm counting or anything. &nbsp;&nbsp;</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iSuR7kjdY30/UZL8iUSiaDI/AAAAAAAABxs/Hh6G2SLNCco/s1600/20130514_8552.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iSuR7kjdY30/UZL8iUSiaDI/AAAAAAAABxs/Hh6G2SLNCco/s400/20130514_8552.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br />Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16099751964687752616noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1141748953133633750.post-37911030832328452132013-05-09T15:31:00.001-05:002013-05-09T15:31:12.069-05:00Fresh Start <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I have so many things I want to blog about. &nbsp;I have blogger guilt. &nbsp;Guilt for basically dropping this blog. &nbsp;I keep trying to pick it back up, and I just haven't been able to. &nbsp;I've thought long and hard about if I even want to keep blogging. &nbsp;The answer is yes. &nbsp;Yes, I want to keep blogging about our lives. &nbsp;I love to write, but I have been struggling to find the words. &nbsp;Struggling to find the time. &nbsp;Struggling to find the passion I once had. &nbsp;I am an avid picture taker and you can find me on Instagram everyday @amyw319 &nbsp;I love snapping those pictures and capturing those moments. &nbsp;I want to find the time to tell the stories of our lives too. &nbsp;</span><br /><div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I have so much guilt that so much of Jack's first years are so documented, and here Grayson is a year and he barely has anything. &nbsp;A guilt trip my husband likes to send me on at least once a week. &nbsp;It drives me crazy, and makes me feel even worse, but I'm so happy that he takes an interest. &nbsp;That he loves to look back and read the stories of our family. &nbsp;</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'll admit that I lost interest when I never got any comments. &nbsp;That is obviously what it shouldn't be about, but I found it hard to write feeling I didn't have an audience. &nbsp;(As if reading about our little lives are even that interesting.) I've thought about making the blog private to take some of the pressure off. &nbsp;Maybe, that would jump start&nbsp;my confidences again. &nbsp;</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Blogging had stopped feeling organic to me. &nbsp;It felt forced. &nbsp;Like just another task on my list. Something else to worry about.&nbsp;</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Right now, I am just going to dive back in. &nbsp;Start our story again, and hopefully log some backlogs. &nbsp;I need this to be for my boys. &nbsp;For our family. &nbsp;I am grateful for any of you that are still with me, and want to share in our journey. &nbsp;</span></div>Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16099751964687752616noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1141748953133633750.post-58896967677443073442012-12-15T12:24:00.000-06:002012-12-15T12:24:38.856-06:00Thoughts and Prayers to Newtown, Connecticut<h3><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;">He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds. -Psalm 147:3</span></span></h3><div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Yesterday, the unimaginable happened. There was a school shooting in Newtown,&nbsp;Connecticut. &nbsp;The shooter killed 20 elementary students and 6 adults. I was out Christmas shopping yesterday when I heard the news, and my world stood still. I sat in my car in a parking lot reading the news and sobbing. &nbsp;My heart is aching for these families. &nbsp;20 precious babies with their entire lives ahead of them. Those&nbsp;children&nbsp;were nothing but pure&nbsp;innocence.&nbsp;I just want to scream WHY?! Why doe these tragedies happen? When will it stop?! I can't stop thinking and praying for the&nbsp;families, the staff, and their entire community. Many of them will be scarred for life from this event.&nbsp;</span><div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I think about those 20 children. Getting through their last few weeks of school. All of them looking forward to their holiday break. Many of them excited for Christmas and Santa. I think about their families. Their stockings that will go unfilled, their presents waiting to be opened. &nbsp;</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I say a prayer that each of those families had a good morning with their child. I know all too often our school day mornings are rushed. Sometimes I'm yelling to hurry up get up get dressed. Unbeknownst to them I hope those parents last moments with their child were happy and good ones. I can't even begin to imagine the pain of losing your child. &nbsp;</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Something like this has never hit me so hard before. I know it is hitting home because I send my kindergartner&nbsp;off to school everyday, where you hope and pray they will be safe. I understand there is evil everywhere, but it makes me sick that we live in a country where we can't even send our children off to school without worry. We live in a&nbsp;time&nbsp;where every school has to practice lock down drills. &nbsp;</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I usually let Jack walk from the bus stop to our house after school, but yesterday I gathered Grayson and we met him at his stop. &nbsp;I had to put my arms around him, and hold my baby close. &nbsp;Zach did the same when he came home from work. &nbsp;We are both so sickened and&nbsp;wrecked&nbsp;by this tragedy. &nbsp;</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div><br /></div>Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16099751964687752616noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1141748953133633750.post-12960307244851877652012-11-01T22:54:00.000-05:002012-11-01T22:54:40.776-05:00Halloween 2012<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XwXlgb5LCq8/UJM61e44tZI/AAAAAAAABsQ/3_hxSsL_9_4/s1600/IMG_4236.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XwXlgb5LCq8/UJM61e44tZI/AAAAAAAABsQ/3_hxSsL_9_4/s640/IMG_4236.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Last weekend we started our spooky fun by lining up in the freezing cold to go down the spooky trail. &nbsp;I read that the last weekend they try to make really scary so I was a bit worried it might be too much for Jack. &nbsp;We through caution to the wind and went anyway. &nbsp;We figured it is made of local volunteers, how scary could it be? Turns out not that scary, but it was still fun. &nbsp;There was a werewolf that managed to make Jackson jump a foot in the air. &nbsp;At the end of the train they have the goodies face painting, hot chocolate, and candy! &nbsp;Jackson chose his usual Tiger face. &nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'm in love with this bear winter suite for Grayson. &nbsp;Jackson actually wore it&nbsp;maybe twice when he was about a month old. &nbsp;I dug it out of our basement, and now I can't get enough of it. &nbsp;He didn't mind the spooky train one bit.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zO9LfZmH5Ko/UJM62z_LiEI/AAAAAAAABsk/5rtRdET1dGc/s1600/IMG_4240.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zO9LfZmH5Ko/UJM62z_LiEI/AAAAAAAABsk/5rtRdET1dGc/s640/IMG_4240.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ERKMaJ0MG1U/UJM64h-wl4I/AAAAAAAABss/Te5xdgsi3ag/s1600/IMG_4244.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ERKMaJ0MG1U/UJM64h-wl4I/AAAAAAAABss/Te5xdgsi3ag/s640/IMG_4244.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yBPSAbbi3sc/UJM66YH4X-I/AAAAAAAABs0/epLFArz3u6A/s1600/IMG_4245.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yBPSAbbi3sc/UJM66YH4X-I/AAAAAAAABs0/epLFArz3u6A/s640/IMG_4245.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We&nbsp;continued&nbsp;our Halloween fun with what I am now calling pancake Sunday. I am continuing to show off my preschool&nbsp;artistic&nbsp;abilities. &nbsp;Pancake art is so much fun. &nbsp;Jack helps me, and he shouts out things for me to create. &nbsp;I keep forgetting the letters are mirrored, and I always mess one up. &nbsp;</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mg8PSUb9Uho/UJM67kcPZTI/AAAAAAAABs8/Erc8Py1YRWA/s1600/IMG_4249.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mg8PSUb9Uho/UJM67kcPZTI/AAAAAAAABs8/Erc8Py1YRWA/s640/IMG_4249.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">&nbsp;<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Later that afternoon we carved our pumpkins. &nbsp;I've never carved pumpkins so early. &nbsp;Tradition has always been to do it the night before, but I figured this would work out better for all of us. &nbsp;We were less rushed, and Zach could be home to carve with us. &nbsp;It has been cold enough outside our pumpkins wouldn't rot, and this way we got to enjoy them a bit longer.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OGSXQaagYrQ/UJM69K6dlBI/AAAAAAAABtI/0vWLFdHwfn0/s1600/IMG_4252.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OGSXQaagYrQ/UJM69K6dlBI/AAAAAAAABtI/0vWLFdHwfn0/s640/IMG_4252.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Speaking of pumpkins check out little man. &nbsp;He's a cute lil pumpkin for his first Halloween. &nbsp;He didn't mind his outfit at all. &nbsp;This was Tuesday night we went trick-or-treating around our downtown.</span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ma3DPZ1e_io/UJM6_qZCjgI/AAAAAAAABtY/rwSUdlU1m9Q/s1600/IMG_4263.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ma3DPZ1e_io/UJM6_qZCjgI/AAAAAAAABtY/rwSUdlU1m9Q/s640/IMG_4263.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Dad made it home from St. Louis, and he was able to trick-or-treat with us. &nbsp;It was a mad house out there. &nbsp;</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vGgqdLs7QFA/UJM7BUBovzI/AAAAAAAABtg/EUjzu8R_mRw/s1600/IMG_4265.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vGgqdLs7QFA/UJM7BUBovzI/AAAAAAAABtg/EUjzu8R_mRw/s640/IMG_4265.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>&nbsp;<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My little Batman had his first school holiday party! They actually, had a Halloween party. &nbsp;I love that they celebrated Halloween, and they let the kids dress up. &nbsp;So many schools have gone the way of "harvest parties" I volunteered to work at his party, and I helped with the craft table. &nbsp;We made some really cute bats. &nbsp;It was so much fun. &nbsp;I still can't believe I have a kid old enough to be having parties at school. &nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0of87vptw54/UJM7DLAOZcI/AAAAAAAABto/o-2k-bWgga4/s1600/IMG_4266.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0of87vptw54/UJM7DLAOZcI/AAAAAAAABto/o-2k-bWgga4/s640/IMG_4266.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We continued our Halloween pizza tradition with a pumpkin pizza. &nbsp;At this point I was gearing myself up to take the boys trick-or-treating myself. &nbsp;We weren't sure if Zach was going to get off of work.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pd143D-Rzyg/UJM7FPnUduI/AAAAAAAABtw/InJwuwPQmIo/s1600/IMG_4273.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pd143D-Rzyg/UJM7FPnUduI/AAAAAAAABtw/InJwuwPQmIo/s640/IMG_4273.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TDCuB7j-QCg/UJM7HOL7IyI/AAAAAAAABt4/8Eprbih-idA/s1600/IMG_4276.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TDCuB7j-QCg/UJM7HOL7IyI/AAAAAAAABt4/8Eprbih-idA/s640/IMG_4276.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zb30IiKzERQ/UJM7JD7wlAI/AAAAAAAABuE/cKrgKvX7UDY/s1600/IMG_4277.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zb30IiKzERQ/UJM7JD7wlAI/AAAAAAAABuE/cKrgKvX7UDY/s640/IMG_4277.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We got dressed up and headed out the door to our first stop the mall.</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vRi07gNJmcI/UJM7LqD-4dI/AAAAAAAABuU/wHFUUpgQJMk/s1600/IMG_4282.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vRi07gNJmcI/UJM7LqD-4dI/AAAAAAAABuU/wHFUUpgQJMk/s640/IMG_4282.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Dad was able to meet us halfway through. &nbsp;He's so creative, he's a Marine for Halloween. &nbsp;He broke the rules and wore his cammies inside. &nbsp;I think he misses wearing them, they are in uniform all the time for recruiting duty.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bcCAoet6xaA/UJM7N0gw6-I/AAAAAAAABuc/2XalvBm2Mr4/s1600/IMG_4288.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bcCAoet6xaA/UJM7N0gw6-I/AAAAAAAABuc/2XalvBm2Mr4/s640/IMG_4288.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Jack demanded that I take his picture while he stood up on this wall. &nbsp;After the mall we hit up a couple of neighborhoods. &nbsp;Jack got a great haul, and we all had a good time. &nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9RTWP597Axo/UJM7QL8jBtI/AAAAAAAABuk/DnhhAGpihg0/s1600/IMG_4293.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9RTWP597Axo/UJM7QL8jBtI/AAAAAAAABuk/DnhhAGpihg0/s640/IMG_4293.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>&nbsp;<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Our pumpkins, mine, Zach's and Jackson's. &nbsp;I had every intention of getting Grayson his own pumpkin, but it just didn't happen.&nbsp;</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FMji15wa1qk/UJM7Rqbj2qI/AAAAAAAABuw/mGnQOYVUJLg/s1600/IMG_4309.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FMji15wa1qk/UJM7Rqbj2qI/AAAAAAAABuw/mGnQOYVUJLg/s640/IMG_4309.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16099751964687752616noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1141748953133633750.post-74400257500263223422012-10-15T02:09:00.000-05:002012-10-15T02:09:13.334-05:00Eat, Sleep, and Be Scary<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UvQQ4bwdUGI/UHuvY7w0qtI/AAAAAAAABrE/X9pE28nb17A/s1600/image.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UvQQ4bwdUGI/UHuvY7w0qtI/AAAAAAAABrE/X9pE28nb17A/s640/image.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Our weekend started a bit early when Jack became sick. &nbsp;He had been fighting a cold earlier in the week, and when he woke up on Thursday it was obvious he would be missing school. He had a temperature of 102, but he was handling it well. &nbsp;He snuggled on the sofa with his favorite pillow and blanket. &nbsp;He asked me to sit with him and hold his hand. &nbsp;In all of his 5 years he's never been sick like this with a fever. I stayed by his side, and we watched a marathon of <i>How It's Made</i>. Toward the end of the day his fever was 102.5 and just seemed to be rising so off to urgent care we went. &nbsp;To sit in the germ infested waiting room <i>forever.</i>&nbsp;He was negative for strep throat, and that is what I guessed he had so back home with no medicine, just recuperating on the sofa. &nbsp;</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>&nbsp; &nbsp;<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr></tbody></table><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-C58FtrmX9Jk/UHuvUT_w7KI/AAAAAAAABq0/WqlHgJRU6CU/s1600/image-2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-C58FtrmX9Jk/UHuvUT_w7KI/AAAAAAAABq0/WqlHgJRU6CU/s640/image-2.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Here is Mr. Grayson fresh from his bath. &nbsp;He's such a ham, and in this picture he looks like a beefcake. &nbsp;Who doesn't love a&nbsp;dimpled&nbsp;baby bottom? He is such a joy.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xEujR-sGSVU/UHuvXEiTq9I/AAAAAAAABq8/8My19tpRp1M/s1600/image-3.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xEujR-sGSVU/UHuvXEiTq9I/AAAAAAAABq8/8My19tpRp1M/s640/image-3.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Jack was finally feeling better yesterday so we made plans to head to the pumpkin patch. &nbsp;We drove all the way there, and the farm had decided to close early due to the weather. &nbsp;It had rained a bit earlier in the day. &nbsp;Jack was bummed. &nbsp;He was getting cabin fever from being in the house on the couch for the past three days. &nbsp;So we wandered around a Halloween store in town. &nbsp;The hubs tried on creepy masks. &nbsp;Even though this one is so plain, something about it gives me the shivers.&nbsp;</span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4yIF7fYLLz4/UHuvgrdJO7I/AAAAAAAABrY/h646yw24RIM/s1600/image.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4yIF7fYLLz4/UHuvgrdJO7I/AAAAAAAABrY/h646yw24RIM/s640/image.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It is becoming a tradition for pancakes or waffles on the weekends. &nbsp;I decided to add some&nbsp;pizzaz. &nbsp;I thought some pancake art might do the trick. &nbsp;Not too&nbsp;shabby for my first attempt. &nbsp;</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uoAdlm4h3n4/UHuviulnyZI/AAAAAAAABrg/OD9uLMBMuKE/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uoAdlm4h3n4/UHuviulnyZI/AAAAAAAABrg/OD9uLMBMuKE/s640/photo.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It was a baking weekend. &nbsp;I made coconut cream pie, and it was&nbsp;delicious. &nbsp;The hubs insists he dislikes coconut, but he&nbsp;proceeds&nbsp;to eat half the pie. &nbsp;It might not be the most beautiful, but it is tasty! &nbsp;The boys also requested chocolate chip cookies so they got those too. &nbsp;Jack told me they tasted so good, and they make me the best Mama. &nbsp;That boy has learned his way around a compliment!&nbsp;</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XQYHYbw2riA/UHuvai3CC0I/AAAAAAAABrM/Nx31U_nXw2M/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XQYHYbw2riA/UHuvai3CC0I/AAAAAAAABrM/Nx31U_nXw2M/s640/photo.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Here is Grayson at 2:00 am when I am writing this. &nbsp;He has to sleep with the blankets touching his face.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">&nbsp;It&nbsp;can be so freaky, but not matter what you do he can't sleep without it. &nbsp;He's getting so big so fast. &nbsp;</span></div>Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16099751964687752616noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1141748953133633750.post-9582294597842178892012-09-14T12:01:00.001-05:002012-09-14T12:28:58.470-05:00Running Ragged <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I have been struggling with our evening time. &nbsp;Jack gets off the bus, and I feel like I'm running until I crash in bed. Usually, way later than I should be awake. &nbsp;There are so many things to be done in the evening. &nbsp;My husband is a Marine recruiter, and we are currently on recruiting duty. &nbsp;We are (cross our fingers) in our 3rd and final year of this duty. &nbsp;This duty is hell, and really I wish I had blogged about our experiences more. &nbsp;Maybe, I will get to that someday. &nbsp;</span><br /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In over two years &nbsp;I can count less than 5 times that Zach has been home for dinner during the week, and to include some weekends. &nbsp;Much less home to help with anything else in the evening. &nbsp;He's home 9:30-10:00pm and that's on a good night. &nbsp;So I am running ragged in the evening, and something about adding school to the mix has just made things worse. &nbsp;There is what is referred to as "solo parenting" on the internet. &nbsp;Where Moms complain that they had to solo parent because Dad is out of town for a few days, or they have to do a solo bedtime because Dad is working late one night. &nbsp;I read these and I just laugh because I want to say you are bitching about 3 days?! Try it for over two years sister! &nbsp;Then I feel horrible because I shouldn't judge I know things are different for everyone. &nbsp;</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Our nights look like this:</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Jack after school snack</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We do homework and organize his school papers for the next day</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Attempt some dinner for Grayson (he's hating solids so I'm thinking about giving this up for now)</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Cook dinner&nbsp;</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Eat Dinner</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Grayson in the bath</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Grayson out and Jack in the bath</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Get Grayson in his pj's and start his wind down time for bed 15-30 minutes. Nursing, reading stories, and quiet time. &nbsp;(Jack's playing in the bath during this time)</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Get Grayson in bed (sometimes this goes smoothly, but other times not so much. He's becoming a night owl)</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Get Jack out of the bath</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Get him in his pjs</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Get clothes, backpack, and everything ready for the next day</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Bedtime snack (sometimes not always)</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Jack stories for bed and lights out</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Clean up dinner and the kitchen</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Pick up the living room</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Zach gets home--Heat his dinner up</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Talk about our days</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Watch some tv together. &nbsp;This is what makes for the late nights. &nbsp;If we want any time together we have to be up until midnight. &nbsp;</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Throw in there several nursing sessions, playtime for Jack, and me trying to manage Grayson while I'm doing other things like cooking, etc.&nbsp;</span></li></ul><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Usually, the later in the evening it gets the more tired and snappier I get. &nbsp;I'm seriously thinking about cooking our dinner in the afternoons when I have more time and just heating it up. &nbsp;Something about that just seems wrong. &nbsp;What a dream it would be to have another set of hands to turn to for some of this stuff. &nbsp;There are nights when things flow so beautifully, and I stop and wonder what it was that made it &nbsp;different.&nbsp;</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">&nbsp;One night this week Grayson was asleep at 7:00 and Jack was in bed by 8:15 it was a miracle. &nbsp;Then there are the nights when Jack is still awake at 9:15 and I have to tell him I am just too tired for stories, while throwing Grayson in the swing in hopes that it gets him to calm down and close his eyes. &nbsp;Then I think about what my husband comes home to. &nbsp;A tired and frazzled wife. &nbsp;That makes me feel guilty too. &nbsp;</span></div></div>Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16099751964687752616noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1141748953133633750.post-24028265053849706182012-09-05T09:23:00.000-05:002012-09-05T09:23:22.891-05:00Making The Money<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You might have noticed I added ads to the site. &nbsp;I don't love the way it looks, but it might make us &nbsp;a bit of money. &nbsp;I'm sure it won't amount to much because I don't have many readers. &nbsp;Not sure how it even works really I'm not sure if I get money for just clicks on the ad or actual purchases. Anyway, even if it is just $5.00 that's something. &nbsp;I hope they don't offend you. &nbsp;</span>Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16099751964687752616noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1141748953133633750.post-78638444731161442632012-08-31T08:21:00.000-05:002012-08-31T08:21:04.644-05:00Eight Letter Dirty Word<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A crazy thing has been going on around here called exercise. &nbsp;A foreign dirty word to most of us I know. &nbsp;A few weeks before school was supposed to start I turned to my husband and told him my plan. &nbsp;I told him my plan was to stick Grayson in the stroller, walk Jack to the bus stop, and then keep on walking on the trail by our house. &nbsp;Zach didn't try to holdback the eye roll as he told me that my plan sounded great. &nbsp;</span><br /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My thought process was I'm already out the door why not just keep going. &nbsp;Getting out the door is my hardest part, and bonus I have one less kid to drag with me. &nbsp;So I've actually done it...a total of 3 times, but hey it is a start. &nbsp;Am I a fitness gal now? Um, no, chances are I will fall off the wagon, and I won't even be doing this next week. &nbsp;</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So we have walked 3 mile trail a few times, and I've biked it. &nbsp;Guess what else? I pretty much hate it. &nbsp;Maybe, I like it a little, but mostly I can't wait for it to be over, and I get excited when I see the house in the distance. &nbsp;Do I feel an awesome surge of energy they claim you get from morning exercise? Nope. &nbsp;It takes everything in me not to curl up on my bed after and take a nap. &nbsp;Am I happy with myself? &nbsp;Very much so. &nbsp;That keeps me going. &nbsp;</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'm going to try to keep doing it for a couple of reasons. &nbsp;Would I like to lose weight? Sure what woman doesn't want that, but that really isn't my motivation. &nbsp;If that was my motivation I'd quite immediately because if I don't see rapid results on the scale then forget it. &nbsp;One of my reasons is because I really need some time for myself. &nbsp;Over the summer I was doing a lot of praying about the stress in my life, and what I could do to help things. &nbsp;Something kept telling me that I needed to exercise, and I kept telling that something to buzz off because Momma don't want to get sweaty. &nbsp;Then I realized that something was God so maybe I should listen. &nbsp;So I am exercising my three miles in hopes that it makes my mood better. &nbsp;Anything to be less irritable and calmer. &nbsp;I listen to my ipod and I think about what is going on around me, I pray a bit, and I keep going. &nbsp;</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">One thing I have noticed is I am sleeping better at night. &nbsp;I am a night owl with a tendency for insomnia. &nbsp;I've always read that exercise can be a way to combat this. &nbsp;I think maybe it is helping. &nbsp;Some decent sleep has to be helpful in combating the grumps too. &nbsp;So don't count on me actually doing this next week, but I am going to give it a try. &nbsp;</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16099751964687752616noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1141748953133633750.post-23593921574364627722012-08-30T08:56:00.000-05:002012-08-30T08:56:37.797-05:00Tales of Kindergarten<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So Jack is the big Kindergartner now. &nbsp;So far he seems to be enjoying himself, and I am <i>slowly</i>&nbsp;getting use to it. &nbsp;(Okay is it used to or use to I can't ever get it right and it drives me nuts) I think he's going to want to go full day. &nbsp;He said he misses me when he's at school, but he doesn't cry about it. &nbsp;Everyday, when he gets home he exclaims loudly how good it is to be home. &nbsp;Melt my heart. &nbsp;</span><br /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We've had a few trouble spots here and there. &nbsp;Some things this Momma is probably going to just have to get over. &nbsp;His biggest issue has been lunch. &nbsp;The first day all he ate was his carrot sticks, but heck I'm not going to complain at least he ate them. &nbsp;The second day he left his lunchbox at school. &nbsp;The third day I sent him with a packed lunch in a gallon ziploc along with the request that he retrieve the lunchbox. &nbsp;When he got home from school I inspected his backpack, and discovered his entire school lunch untouched. &nbsp;My first though was that he had eaten nothing, but turned out he said he just bought hot lunch.&nbsp;</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">&nbsp;Now, things are different from when I was in school and we had paper lunch tickets that the cashier had to punch. &nbsp;Now, each kid has an online account, and parents put money into the account through an website. &nbsp;Each kid basically, gets their own little lunch credit card. &nbsp;Are you seeing where this is going?</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When I asked him about his untouched lunch he told me he just gave the lady his card, and he had hot lunch instead. &nbsp;Zach and I laughed that our 5 year old is putting us into debt. &nbsp;Sure enough after school that day I got a call from the school saying our account is -1.85 and to please add funds. &nbsp;So we have had long talks about how he needs to eat his lunch, and how he has to eat what his mother sends him. &nbsp;</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My only other issue is really having no idea what he's doing all day. &nbsp;It is driving me up the wall. &nbsp;I don't want to be <i>that parent</i>, but I'd like to have some sort of idea. &nbsp;Getting Jack to tell me what he did is like pulling teeth. &nbsp;I get it out of him in drips and dribbles throughout the evening. &nbsp;I fire questions at him like was PE after you ate lunch? Just so I can try to piece together what time he does things. &nbsp;I'm giving it another week, and then I am going to be <i>that parent </i>e-mailing the teacher for just a simple idea of how their day goes. &nbsp;</span></div>Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16099751964687752616noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1141748953133633750.post-56433114920546883062012-08-27T03:00:00.000-05:002012-08-27T03:00:17.562-05:00Getting Nowhere Fast<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I have so much stress in my life right now it is a wonder I am not bald. &nbsp;Just when I think one thing is over with another thing pops up. &nbsp;We had some major family stresses over the summer, that I was just starting to feel like maybe I could talk about it. &nbsp;Now, not so much. &nbsp;I am pretty superstitious when it comes to things. &nbsp;When things aren't going well for some reason I feel like talking about them is just going to make it worse. &nbsp;Let this next bump in the road smooth out, and maybe I can bring it up. &nbsp;What I can't figure out is what to do all day. &nbsp;The stress and the anxiety eats me up inside. &nbsp;It consumes my brain. &nbsp;I can't sleep. &nbsp;This is why I am up at 3:00 in the morning. &nbsp;I cry, I get mad, and I worry, worry, worry. &nbsp;When people say not to worry that whatever is going to happen will happen, I want to kick those people in the shin. &nbsp;These days when things go down it doesn't just have an affect on me, I have two kids I have to worry about. &nbsp;</span><br /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I feel like every time I start to make some headway I just slam into another brick wall. &nbsp;I mean seriously when is this rain cloud going to leave? So the stress consumes me and I hate it. &nbsp;I sit and I think about my Mom. &nbsp;I think about how I would do <i>anything</i>&nbsp;to be able to talk to her. &nbsp;Anything to be able to talk things through with her. &nbsp;Anything to have that love and support from her. &nbsp;Instead I sit here. &nbsp;My brain all mushy, my cheeks tear stained, and I worry. &nbsp;</span></div>Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16099751964687752616noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1141748953133633750.post-70281333046173339242012-08-22T09:00:00.000-05:002012-08-22T20:41:03.118-05:00My Big Boy<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My Dearest Jack,</span><br /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Today you are off to start a new adventure, you are a kindergartner. &nbsp;This Momma has mixed emotions about this. &nbsp;It is very hard for me to believe you are old enough to start school. &nbsp;I think in my mind you are still my two year old precious little boy. &nbsp;You are still so precious, but you are not so little anymore. &nbsp;You are excited to start school, and your enthusiasm eases my mind. &nbsp;I will miss you very much while you are gone. &nbsp;It can be hard to explain, and it might seem silly, but I have taken care of you 24 hours a day for over 5 years. &nbsp;You and I have spent little time apart, and you are truly a Momma's boy. &nbsp;I'm finding it hard to let you go for 7 hours of the day. &nbsp;</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I worry. &nbsp;I worry about the influence other kids will have on you. &nbsp;I worry some of your sweet innocence will go away. &nbsp;I worry that you might not be ready for such a big change. &nbsp;You have expressed that you would rather go to half day rather than all day kindergarten. &nbsp;I am pretty sure I am worrying for nothing. &nbsp;</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I am also very excited for you. &nbsp;I can't wait to hear all about your new friends you are going to make. &nbsp;I am sure you will have five new ones within the first hour. &nbsp;You are my social butterfly. &nbsp;I can't wait to see all of the new things you learn about this year. &nbsp;I know you are going to amaze me with your abilities. &nbsp;It will be fun to watch your love of books blossom and grow. &nbsp;</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You are going to do so amazingly well. &nbsp;I am eager to see what this new school year brings for the both of us. &nbsp;I will be impatiently waiting for you to step off that school bus to tell me all about your day. &nbsp;</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I love you will all of my heart.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Love,</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Momma &nbsp;</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UroSbzpFWCw/UDVnCmf-OFI/AAAAAAAABp0/OgAXP4U613Q/s1600/Jackson-Kindy_102-blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-y90vxvGPruU/UDVoWu2Wl_I/AAAAAAAABp8/OdmMCZ7MsvQ/s1600/Jackson+Kindy_101+blogg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UroSbzpFWCw/UDVnCmf-OFI/AAAAAAAABp0/OgAXP4U613Q/s1600/Jackson-Kindy_102-blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UroSbzpFWCw/UDVnCmf-OFI/AAAAAAAABp0/OgAXP4U613Q/s640/Jackson-Kindy_102-blog.jpg" width="472" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-y90vxvGPruU/UDVoWu2Wl_I/AAAAAAAABp8/OdmMCZ7MsvQ/s1600/Jackson+Kindy_101+blogg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-y90vxvGPruU/UDVoWu2Wl_I/AAAAAAAABp8/OdmMCZ7MsvQ/s640/Jackson+Kindy_101+blogg.jpg" width="322" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16099751964687752616noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1141748953133633750.post-34872986347226195082012-08-16T00:21:00.001-05:002012-08-16T00:36:58.360-05:00Grayson 5 Months Old<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-51DMuhnVFn8/UCyA06Qn_eI/AAAAAAAABoM/HCSuvCJs3k0/s1600/IMG_2766.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-51DMuhnVFn8/UCyA06Qn_eI/AAAAAAAABoM/HCSuvCJs3k0/s320/IMG_2766.JPG" width="240" /></a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">He likes to suck his fingers sometimes</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Xi9iqhvRQKI/UCyA1Z7R80I/AAAAAAAABoU/V9ZyeXU-G6k/s1600/IMG_2783.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Xi9iqhvRQKI/UCyA1Z7R80I/AAAAAAAABoU/V9ZyeXU-G6k/s400/IMG_2783.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Oh, how I love these boys!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">He has completely mastered rolling back to tummy. &nbsp;I can't get him to even try rolling tummy to back. &nbsp;I went to my friend Google to see if it could be of some assistance with this. &nbsp;Come to find out Grayson decided to learn the more difficult roll, back to tummy, first. &nbsp;It is actually easier for a baby to roll the other way. &nbsp;So I find it funny that he isn't even trying to do it. &nbsp;</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-m0HjnRGRO88/UCyA2Y6TEEI/AAAAAAAABoc/_vV0s5bcA3M/s1600/IMG_2785.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-m0HjnRGRO88/UCyA2Y6TEEI/AAAAAAAABoc/_vV0s5bcA3M/s320/IMG_2785.JPG" width="240" /></a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">He also chews his thumb. &nbsp;I find it to be adorable.&nbsp;</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">He's still sleeping through the night. (knock on wood) We have more difficult days when we get off of his schedule. &nbsp;I never really had a schedule with Jack, but Grayson has basically put himself on one. &nbsp;The boy likes his sleep. &nbsp;It makes it hard to get out and do things, and when we do it messes him all up. He's getting a bit better about it. &nbsp;</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">He's pretty much the happiest baby I have ever met. &nbsp;I feel like I am bragging, but people always ask me how he is compared to Jack, or how it is having number two. &nbsp;My answer always is Jack was an easy baby, and amazingly Grayson is even easier. &nbsp;He's pretty laid back. &nbsp;He has his certain things that set off the fussies for him. &nbsp;He hates being wet/poopy. &nbsp;Still doesn't love the car. &nbsp;If something doesn't suite him then he definitely has a temper. &nbsp;He goes 90 miles an hour into a scream. &nbsp;You would think I was chopping his leg off. &nbsp;Just as fast as it starts though it is over, and he's back to all smiles. &nbsp;</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5LanX3qvMsA/UCyA3OxEekI/AAAAAAAABok/Dju_RNxzhQ4/s1600/IMG_2849.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5LanX3qvMsA/UCyA3OxEekI/AAAAAAAABok/Dju_RNxzhQ4/s320/IMG_2849.JPG" width="240" /></a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Scary picture. &nbsp;He does this thing where he takes his tongue and sucks his top lip. &nbsp;It is so funny, and I want to get it on video sometime.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">He's still napping three times a day. &nbsp;Something we are struggling with. &nbsp;He just can't make it between 3-7:30 for his bed time. &nbsp;He always end up catnapping, and then he's up until 9 or 9:30. &nbsp;I'd love to get him to take two, two hour naps instead. &nbsp;</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eWe3p3uM0aQ/UCyA4zYIHoI/AAAAAAAABo0/ndUyPMBCzs8/s1600/IMG_2852.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZLVFitrU94E/UCyA313_C1I/AAAAAAAABos/kf3APGCXns4/s1600/IMG_2851.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZLVFitrU94E/UCyA313_C1I/AAAAAAAABos/kf3APGCXns4/s320/IMG_2851.JPG" width="240" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eWe3p3uM0aQ/UCyA4zYIHoI/AAAAAAAABo0/ndUyPMBCzs8/s1600/IMG_2852.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eWe3p3uM0aQ/UCyA4zYIHoI/AAAAAAAABo0/ndUyPMBCzs8/s320/IMG_2852.JPG" width="240" /></a><br /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">He loves his bath. &nbsp;I have started giving them to him in the sink. &nbsp;He loves to kick and splash. &nbsp;I have to put a towel on the floor, and usually both the towel and I are soaked at the end of the bath. &nbsp;</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_86zSLLtI-Y/UCyA5FoPehI/AAAAAAAABo8/zfnUMhr5Eg4/s1600/IMG_2886.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_86zSLLtI-Y/UCyA5FoPehI/AAAAAAAABo8/zfnUMhr5Eg4/s400/IMG_2886.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">He really is Mr. Happy 99% of the time.&nbsp;</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">He has taken a few short naps in his crib. &nbsp;We are uncomfortable with it because he likes to sleep with a blanket right by his face. &nbsp;He can't fall asleep without it because he rubs his face on it. &nbsp;We really want to get a video baby monitor so that way we can see him while he's in there, and know that he is okay. &nbsp;</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nY46mb-cV3w/UCyA6AFLe9I/AAAAAAAABpE/PG5wgcWURbg/s1600/IMG_2924.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nY46mb-cV3w/UCyA6AFLe9I/AAAAAAAABpE/PG5wgcWURbg/s400/IMG_2924.JPG" width="300" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Practicing his sitting.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">He still nurses great. &nbsp;He will be exclusively breastfed until he is 6 months old. &nbsp;There are just so many health benefits to it. &nbsp;I hope to blog about it soon. &nbsp;After 6 months we will add in some solids, but we are in no rush.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I weighed him at Daddy's office, and he's 15lbs with clothes and a diaper on. &nbsp;</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3z2ILjlVkWk/UCyA6820CSI/AAAAAAAABpM/C4d0aT756OA/s1600/IMG_2942.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3z2ILjlVkWk/UCyA6820CSI/AAAAAAAABpM/C4d0aT756OA/s320/IMG_2942.JPG" width="240" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">He crashed in Dad's arms this is rare.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">He wears 3-6 months and 6 month clothes. &nbsp;</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Still cloth diapering and loving it!&nbsp;</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">He said Mama for the first time, but we haven't heard anything since then. &nbsp;</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kNLtnBhPadM/UCyA73jgS-I/AAAAAAAABpU/78RUt0n6W8k/s1600/IMG_2946.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kNLtnBhPadM/UCyA73jgS-I/AAAAAAAABpU/78RUt0n6W8k/s320/IMG_2946.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This is my sweet boy first thing in the morning.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /><div><br /></div>Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16099751964687752616noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1141748953133633750.post-81827889570652615542012-08-14T22:38:00.001-05:002012-08-14T22:52:57.667-05:00My Baby LoveI sit and I nurse him in the calm quiet. &nbsp; Listening to each baby sound and sigh. &nbsp;I look down and notice that he's filling my lap. &nbsp;He is getting so big each and everyday. &nbsp;I often take his baby foot, and marvel that I can close my hand around it. &nbsp;So small and so perfect. &nbsp;I snuggle him close giving his cheeks a million kisses a day. &nbsp;Sometimes I am even sad. &nbsp;It goes too fast. &nbsp;Why can't I just freeze time? Why can't these simple years last a bit longer? Time marches on, and every day is precious.Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16099751964687752616noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1141748953133633750.post-59321668320430810242012-07-17T13:03:00.000-05:002012-07-17T13:33:55.258-05:00Grayson 4 MonthsGrayson turned 4 months June 28th. &nbsp;I'm trying to figure out how he is 4 months old already, but at the same time it really does feel like he's been here forever. <br /><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-y70-BoYRFEY/UAWmbgVJSkI/AAAAAAAABnI/MeMJVN867aU/s1600/IMG_2505.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-y70-BoYRFEY/UAWmbgVJSkI/AAAAAAAABnI/MeMJVN867aU/s320/IMG_2505.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>Weight: 13lb 3oz 10%</div><div>Height: 23 in less than 2%</div><div>Head: 15.75 in. 3%&nbsp;</div><div><br /></div><div>I thought he was small when he was born weighing 5lb 11oz, but maybe he's just going to continue to be smaller than average. &nbsp;Jack was always low on the weight percentiles, but never the height. &nbsp;Despite being on the smaller side he's still growing just fine along his own curve. &nbsp;</div><div><br /></div><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div><br />At his brother's t-ball game. &nbsp;Hot baby!<br />&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; <br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TdUpgESN0mI/UAWmsgyx4hI/AAAAAAAABoA/EJbngJv-tbE/s1600/IMG_2496.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TdUpgESN0mI/UAWmsgyx4hI/AAAAAAAABoA/EJbngJv-tbE/s320/IMG_2496.JPG" width="320" /></a>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />He had just started doing a little pushing up with his head and arms while on his tummy a few weeks ago. &nbsp;Previous to that he was content to just suck on his fists. &nbsp;</div><div><br /></div><div>July 2nd he rolled over for the first time back to his tummy. &nbsp;It was shocking because he'd never even attempted before, and next thing I know I look over and he's doing it. &nbsp;Now, he needs to learn to roll back because he gets so angry when he gets stuck on his tummy. &nbsp;I remember how eager I was for Jack to be doing the next big thing, and with Grayson I'm content to let him move at his own speed. &nbsp;</div><div><br /></div><div>He's a good sleeper (knock on wood) I have read that at 4 months they can start to go through sleep regression since they are starting to learn new things. &nbsp;So far he has just been awesome, and he's far exceeded my expectations. &nbsp;I'd say he's been consistently sleeping through the night from six weeks on. &nbsp; &nbsp;Right now, he goes down between 7-9 and he sleeps until at least 5:30 sometimes 7. &nbsp;He also, doesn't like to be put to sleep no rocking for this little guy. &nbsp;He just wants to be put in his bed. &nbsp;He has to have his blanket to rub his face on (we check him) and he's out. &nbsp;We were also able to stop swaddling him when we put him down.&nbsp;</div><div><br /></div><div>He's still never slept in his crib. &nbsp;Not even for naps. I'm sure that will be an interesting transition when the time comes. &nbsp;He still naps and sleeps in our room beside our bed. &nbsp;No, real reason for him not being in his own room. &nbsp;We need something to block the daylight, and we need some baby monitors. &nbsp;Easy fixes that we just haven't bothered with.</div><div><br /></div><div>He's a fantastic nurser, but we struggle with him taking a bottle. &nbsp;I've tried a ton of them, and I finally narrowed some of the problem to silicone nipples. &nbsp;They are just too slippery for his mouth, and he has a very forceful tongue thrust. &nbsp;I've tried a few rubber nipples and it is just hit or miss. &nbsp;</div><div><br /></div><div>Embarrassing story of the week Thursday night at Jack's T-Ball game Grayson started getting hungry, and I tried to give him the bottle I had brought with us. &nbsp;He was having no such thing and he started to get hysterical. &nbsp;So I pulled my nursing cover out of my bag got us situated and started nursing him. &nbsp;Not easy or fun in 100 degree heat, and a kicking hysterical baby. &nbsp;The embarrassing part was when I looked up I realized I was sitting directly behind home plate, &nbsp;and one of the coaches was pitching to the boys. &nbsp;These coaches are high school <i>maybe </i>college age guys. &nbsp;So I'm staring at this guy while nursing Grayson. &nbsp;It had to be slightly awkward or at least distracting for the guy. &nbsp;Oops. &nbsp;Note to self don't sit directly behind home plate. &nbsp;Oh well, at least things were covered. &nbsp;That is the only time I have ever been embarrassed while nursing one of my babies. &nbsp;And I have nursed all over the place planes, trains, beaches, restaurants, you name it I've probably fed my kid there. &nbsp;</div><div><br /></div><div>He's very happy rarely fussy unless something is wrong. &nbsp;He hates to be wet or dirty, and he's back to being a happy guy as soon as he's changed. &nbsp;</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NxWEMoh0dG0/UAWmgxuxciI/AAAAAAAABn4/2jBvEyuE61U/s1600/IMG_2560.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NxWEMoh0dG0/UAWmgxuxciI/AAAAAAAABn4/2jBvEyuE61U/s320/IMG_2560.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br /></div><div>He's starting to really enjoy his playmat. &nbsp;Grabbing all of his toys, and pulling them into his mouth. &nbsp;Rolling over and getting stuck. &nbsp;</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1z3XIQI5Jao/UAWmfnkW4qI/AAAAAAAABno/Vbf67HHBVBs/s1600/IMG_2558.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1z3XIQI5Jao/UAWmfnkW4qI/AAAAAAAABno/Vbf67HHBVBs/s320/IMG_2558.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>He hates the car. &nbsp;I dread trips with this boy. &nbsp;Even just in town he cries. &nbsp;Nothing soothes him we have music, we have toys, and nothing works. &nbsp;He screams and he screams LOUD. &nbsp;Pretty much hysterical, and we all feel crazy in the car. &nbsp;Zach road halfway to Indian turned backwards with his finger in Grayson's mouth so he would stay quiet. &nbsp;Sometimes I still have to get into the backseat with him. &nbsp;</div><div><br /></div><div>He loves his big brother. &nbsp;Jackson always puts a smile on his face, or he has him letting out shrieks of delight. &nbsp;Grayson shakes with happiness to see his big brother. &nbsp;</div><div><br /></div><div>We are still cloth diapering and loving it. &nbsp;Grayson's bottom seems to like it too. &nbsp;He's never had any diaper rash. &nbsp;</div><div></div><div>Grayson loves to be outside. &nbsp;He's already been camping 3 times in his little life. &nbsp;He's done really well. He loves to just look around. &nbsp;He doesn't mind going out to the pool or splash parks with big brother. &nbsp;He's even been a good little guy in the 100 degree heat at his brother's t-ball games. &nbsp;</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-svgKbknF2Hs/UAWmcsKRn7I/AAAAAAAABnQ/Yu3S4B2sVNs/s1600/IMG_2509.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-svgKbknF2Hs/UAWmcsKRn7I/AAAAAAAABnQ/Yu3S4B2sVNs/s320/IMG_2509.JPG" width="240" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-K3XPYd7hjJQ/UAWmfE625mI/AAAAAAAABng/1d8fc04PslY/s1600/IMG_2555.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-K3XPYd7hjJQ/UAWmfE625mI/AAAAAAAABng/1d8fc04PslY/s320/IMG_2555.JPG" width="320" /></a><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-I98nrrYRx5U/UAWmepBMqjI/AAAAAAAABnY/dbGWdeYuHUI/s1600/IMG_2517.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-I98nrrYRx5U/UAWmepBMqjI/AAAAAAAABnY/dbGWdeYuHUI/s320/IMG_2517.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7Eai3MWBuoU/UAWmgNoVhFI/AAAAAAAABnw/5ocqrraH1Ww/s1600/IMG_2559.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7Eai3MWBuoU/UAWmgNoVhFI/AAAAAAAABnw/5ocqrraH1Ww/s320/IMG_2559.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">You can follow us on instagram @amyw319</div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">We love him to pieces. &nbsp;</div></div>Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16099751964687752616noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1141748953133633750.post-2748288353619163662012-06-28T00:55:00.001-05:002012-06-28T00:55:13.699-05:00Dipping My Toes In<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I took some quick pictures of Grayson today. &nbsp;I could call them his 4 month photos since he's 4 months old today. &nbsp;(How is that possible?!) I hope to do a more detailed session with him. &nbsp;These were just some quick snaps after a diaper change in his room. &nbsp;Right before nap time too, tired little guy.&nbsp;</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I made a watermark tonight. &nbsp;Something I have been dragging my feet about for a long time. &nbsp;I'm going to dip my toes into the photography world. &nbsp;I'm really scared about it. &nbsp;Mostly, because I am so critical of myself. &nbsp;I'm constantly asking my husband if they look okay because I think all of my work looks bad. I'm not sure how to get over that. &nbsp;I really lack the confidence. &nbsp;I'd love to have a bit of a business someday. &nbsp;Even if it was something I did once in a while. &nbsp;I really do enjoy photography especially, with little babies. &nbsp;</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-A37DbjT0Tdw/T-vt3S2zSsI/AAAAAAAABlw/-GAKm0TXEeI/s1600/Grayson+4+months+BW+Web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="470" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-A37DbjT0Tdw/T-vt3S2zSsI/AAAAAAAABlw/-GAKm0TXEeI/s640/Grayson+4+months+BW+Web.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I just love his little bottom lip sticking out. &nbsp;I am so glad that I captured this moment. &nbsp;He doesn't do this all the time, but I've been wanting to get a picture of it. &nbsp;He goes from bottom lip out to full fledged screaming pretty quickly so it is hard to just get that cute pout.&nbsp;</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6lUqJBiYqHY/T-vt44wbcQI/AAAAAAAABl4/-t8N6ERR9tk/s1600/Grayson+4+months+Web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="470" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6lUqJBiYqHY/T-vt44wbcQI/AAAAAAAABl4/-t8N6ERR9tk/s640/Grayson+4+months+Web.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tni-e9dpmQc/T-vt5kqcpoI/AAAAAAAABmA/1HJqfpB3u8k/s1600/Grayson+4+months_102+BW+Web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="444" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tni-e9dpmQc/T-vt5kqcpoI/AAAAAAAABmA/1HJqfpB3u8k/s640/Grayson+4+months_102+BW+Web.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />&nbsp;<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I convinced him he was okay, and he was my happy little guy again.</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CeHRUpRZzO0/T-vt7fDa6-I/AAAAAAAABmI/KRguYtYD5ZI/s1600/Grayson+4+months_102+Web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="444" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CeHRUpRZzO0/T-vt7fDa6-I/AAAAAAAABmI/KRguYtYD5ZI/s640/Grayson+4+months_102+Web.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-C67KIZrFsk0/T-vt94X5GbI/AAAAAAAABmQ/0tHI64UXvKg/s1600/Grayson+4+months_104+Web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-C67KIZrFsk0/T-vt94X5GbI/AAAAAAAABmQ/0tHI64UXvKg/s640/Grayson+4+months_104+Web.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0zEDE_J8qY0/T-vuAY5yYTI/AAAAAAAABmY/HvYa3MP_qUk/s1600/Grayson+4+months_105+Web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0zEDE_J8qY0/T-vuAY5yYTI/AAAAAAAABmY/HvYa3MP_qUk/s640/Grayson+4+months_105+Web.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I bought this hat hoping to use it in a session when he's a bit older, but we tried it on for fun.&nbsp;</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WOYFGDWIPLU/T-vuIQWhCzI/AAAAAAAABms/zaf3Qrw8wGA/s1600/Grayson+4+months_106.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WOYFGDWIPLU/T-vuIQWhCzI/AAAAAAAABms/zaf3Qrw8wGA/s640/Grayson+4+months_106.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Yenq6NiL58Y/T-vuPE7kbqI/AAAAAAAABm0/xNtxLeudeBA/s1600/Grayson+4+months_107+Web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Yenq6NiL58Y/T-vuPE7kbqI/AAAAAAAABm0/xNtxLeudeBA/s640/Grayson+4+months_107+Web.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><br />Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16099751964687752616noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1141748953133633750.post-24604882293502675202012-06-24T02:22:00.001-05:002012-06-24T02:30:44.754-05:00A look through the iPhone<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Here is a look at my life around me through the iPhone. It seems to be my go to camera these days. &nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sZGJ3cVsmTE/T-a6nBI0YBI/AAAAAAAABkk/YxxRfbEQF7Q/s1600/IMG_2468.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sZGJ3cVsmTE/T-a6nBI0YBI/AAAAAAAABkk/YxxRfbEQF7Q/s320/IMG_2468.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;Jack and Daddy stacking the leftover cups from Jack's lemonade stand. &nbsp;Jack just started doing this on his own, and then Dad really got into it too.&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dYA8TDlx2cM/T-a67WBi9fI/AAAAAAAABks/EzT7YDi3JzU/s1600/IMG_2462.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dYA8TDlx2cM/T-a67WBi9fI/AAAAAAAABks/EzT7YDi3JzU/s320/IMG_2462.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;I got Grayson a Sophie in hopes that he would like to chew on her. &nbsp;Sophie is a very popular teething toy for babies. &nbsp;He loves it, but still has a hard time holding onto her. &nbsp;I'm hoping it becomes his new favorite things since he won't take a pacifier, but still wants to mouth and chew on everything.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oxj8wI5rx-4/T-a67uZq7SI/AAAAAAAABk0/STJ1S-1jIos/s1600/IMG_2469.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oxj8wI5rx-4/T-a67uZq7SI/AAAAAAAABk0/STJ1S-1jIos/s320/IMG_2469.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;We have been having Jack make his bed. &nbsp;He used to get VERY frustrated while making it. &nbsp;Always complaining that he couldn't do it. &nbsp;Usually, before he would even go in and try. &nbsp;It wasn't that he didn't want to make it, but he wanted it to be perfect. &nbsp;I've worked with him telling him it doesn't have to be perfect just as long as he puts in a good effort. &nbsp;He was so proud to show me this. &nbsp;He's doing a great job.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-b9MecC1v7S8/T-a68DxTpLI/AAAAAAAABk8/tI1fA9TPxzM/s1600/IMG_2474.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-b9MecC1v7S8/T-a68DxTpLI/AAAAAAAABk8/tI1fA9TPxzM/s320/IMG_2474.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;Grayson was taking a short snooze on our bed, and he woke up to find his Mama staring at him. &nbsp;I'm always amazed by this tiny baby boy. &nbsp;He steals my heart.&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rdNWVJXRqpM/T-a684lxffI/AAAAAAAABlE/BA7jEvBz1SI/s1600/IMG_2481.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rdNWVJXRqpM/T-a684lxffI/AAAAAAAABlE/BA7jEvBz1SI/s320/IMG_2481.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;Took a few fast pictures of Grayson. &nbsp;He has so many faces, and I just want to capture them all. &nbsp;Loving his smile.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-L8jJyi6hKJU/T-a69XMji_I/AAAAAAAABlM/R8lLU1T_gTI/s1600/IMG_2483.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-L8jJyi6hKJU/T-a69XMji_I/AAAAAAAABlM/R8lLU1T_gTI/s320/IMG_2483.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;Watching his big brother play t-ball. &nbsp;We have evening t-ball from 6-7:15. Grayson was tiny when I signed Jack up so I didn't put much thought into the time. &nbsp;Grayson likes to be in bed at 7 so I was worried what it would be like having him out. &nbsp;So far he's been great. &nbsp;Sometimes he sleeps but usually he likes to be out watching his big bro.&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gnNCS2xST4s/T-a6-NWq7gI/AAAAAAAABlU/CFPfEZ2rQX0/s1600/IMG_2484.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gnNCS2xST4s/T-a6-NWq7gI/AAAAAAAABlU/CFPfEZ2rQX0/s320/IMG_2484.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;Speaking of big bro we are working on that<u> <a href="http://www.whitsittfamily.blogspot.com/2012/06/summer-fun.html" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">summer bucket list</span></a></u>. Things aren't going quite as planned (do they ever) this is our first outing to one of the splash parks here in town. &nbsp;We have been to two of them now, and just one more to go. &nbsp;Jack is having a BLAST! He's playing with kids, he's outside, he's enjoying the water. &nbsp;This was the first time we've been to this one this summer, and at first he didn't want to get wet. &nbsp;He was scared to go through this green circle spray thing, but soon he warmed up to it and realized how much fun everything could be. &nbsp;We were there for hours!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-K5V7rrg6dQw/T-a6-l2O2LI/AAAAAAAABlc/RtjPUB71yJw/s1600/IMG_2485.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-K5V7rrg6dQw/T-a6-l2O2LI/AAAAAAAABlc/RtjPUB71yJw/s320/IMG_2485.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;Grayson is enjoying his jumperoo. &nbsp;He can't touch the ground just yet in it, and he's only spending&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: center;">5-10 minutes in it at a time. We started him in it much younger than we did with Jackson. &nbsp;I don't think we even bought this jumperoo for Jack until he was 5 months or older. &nbsp;On this day Grayson tuckered himself out and fell asleep in it. &nbsp;He kept jerking himself awake when he'd move and make the music play.&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hI8TZiBY48g/T-a6_OxXzOI/AAAAAAAABlk/nlrmC6coZKU/s1600/IMG_2490.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hI8TZiBY48g/T-a6_OxXzOI/AAAAAAAABlk/nlrmC6coZKU/s320/IMG_2490.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">One more picture of my happy little guy.&nbsp;</div>Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16099751964687752616noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1141748953133633750.post-75298392510642711502012-06-21T03:00:00.001-05:002012-06-21T03:00:37.900-05:00The Dreaded Errands<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Yesterday, the boys and I went shopping at the mall for clothes for them. &nbsp;I'm not sure how it has happened, but both are seriously lacking in anything that fits. &nbsp;Grayson, has gone from wearing his newborn stuff forever to almost skipping over 3 month stuff. &nbsp;He can fit into some of his 0-3 stuff, but it is getting tight I think those outfits are on their last leg. &nbsp;The strange thing is the boy isn't even that big. &nbsp;He looks bigger in pictures, and his chunky cheeks don't help his cause. &nbsp;He is low on all of his percentiles on the growth chart. &nbsp;</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Anyway, I took both boys shopping and it wasn't fun at all. &nbsp;Poor Jack he gets excited when you say the mall because he thinks they have play stuff like the big mall back home, but this one does not. &nbsp;So it is just me dragging him to store after store. I was also not very happy to be dropping such a large amount of coin on clothes, and pretty unexpectedly too. What can I say though I guess that's what happens when you feed them they grow, and you have to replenish their wardrobe. &nbsp;</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Is it just me or does the quality of clothes seem to be getting cheaper and cheaper, but the price keeps going higher and higher? &nbsp;I know these are just kids clothes, but I look at the stitching, and I think to myself that it isn't even going to last five washes. &nbsp;I have so much trouble picking things to purchase because I feel like I am paying so much more than what these clothes are worth. &nbsp;&nbsp;</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">It is so interesting taking them both out to run errands. &nbsp;They are a blast if we are doing something like going to the park for a few hours, but when it comes to errands the task turns ugly. &nbsp;Grayson hates his carseat and the car so he's usually screaming even if it is only a 15 minute trip across town. &nbsp;I try to plan things when he might be napping. &nbsp;He can't hate his seat if he's sleeping. &nbsp;Jack is just so weird when we are out. &nbsp;I keep thinking it is a phase that he will grow out of, but I think it is just his personality.&nbsp;</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">&nbsp;I spent our entire trip to the mall talking through gritted teeth saying things like, "Get over here, stand right here, and DON'T MOVE." I can't stop and look at something for 10 seconds without Jack wandering off somewhere. &nbsp;He's not a super wild and crazy kid, but he's not exactly calm and in control either. &nbsp;He feels compelled to touch EVERYTHING, or run and jump, or just be out of my line of vision. &nbsp;It drives Zach and I crazy. &nbsp;We have tried a hundred things to try to change his behavior, but we can't figure it out. &nbsp;We've prepped him with the rules before we go in, I've yelled, I've made him hold my hand/stroller, we have lectured. &nbsp;We tried to scare him telling him that a stranger could take him. &nbsp;None of it phases him. &nbsp;We have to put him in the cart still at most stores because he'll be two aisles away while I'm trying to pick out tomatoes.&nbsp;</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">When I was little my worst fear was losing my mom in a store so I stuck to her like glue. &nbsp;This must be my husband's gene I have no idea. &nbsp;So I spent our mall trip trying to wrangle Jack, holding Grayson in one arm, pushing the stroller with the other, and trying to scrounge for the best deal I could find on clothes. &nbsp;It was exhausting. The boys have a few new clothes, and at least I won't be having to do that for a few more months until we have to go school clothes shopping for Jack. &nbsp;I think I am either bringing reinforcements or leaving them with their Dad.&nbsp;</span>Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16099751964687752616noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1141748953133633750.post-56834194053966224802012-06-09T00:20:00.001-05:002012-06-09T00:20:23.282-05:00Crying and Dirty DancingThursday evening I had a bit of a breakdown. &nbsp;I have had a lot going on, and I had an emotional wave come crashing down on me. &nbsp;Now, when I think about it all I can think about is the movie Dirty Dancing where Penny is huddled in the corner of the kitchen crying, except I was in the kitchen bawling my eyes out as I stood over my infant son giving him a bath, and probably scaring the bejeezus out of him. &nbsp;Patrick Swayze is in the background screaming, "She's taking a break. She needs a break!!!" I'm not the only one that has seen Dirty Dancing 125 times right?<br /><div><br /></div><div>The point being I had reached my tipping point. &nbsp;I had been holding a lot of stuff in, and it all had to come out. &nbsp;I'm tired. Like tired to the bone. I try to keep it to myself because I don't know how to say it without sounding like a whiner. This Recruiting Duty business is not easy. &nbsp;We will reach our two year mark in July, and I think it has just caught up with me and worn me down. &nbsp;The lack of help, and doing it all 24/7 has left me feeling wrung out. &nbsp;It has been 6 months since my Mom's death, and that is weighing huge on me. &nbsp;She was such a source of relief for me both emotionally and physically. &nbsp;She was always there to listen to me when I needed to talk. &nbsp;She also made herself so available to Zach and I. &nbsp;Always willing to help with Jackson. &nbsp;She helped us so much in so many ways, and always without us even having to ask her, and she never asked for anything in return. &nbsp;I know for both Zach and I that was such a stress relief for our family. &nbsp;We have talked about what a changed that has been for our family, and how difficult it has been. &nbsp;</div><div><br /></div><div>We have so much going on right now. &nbsp;Stuff with Zach's work that I don't feel comfortable blogging about right now. &nbsp;So many different things that I keep thinking maybe in 6 months, or maybe in a year things will start to finally look brighter. &nbsp;It is difficult to think that it might take that long for things to finally seem a bit better and easier. &nbsp;</div><div><br /></div><div>I have a lot of stuff that I want to write about that isn't sunshine and rainbows, but I think I need to get it out. &nbsp;Heck of a lot cheaper than a therapist even though I could probably benefit from one of those immensely at this point. &nbsp;I tend to keep things on the lighter side when it comes to blogging, and this is where my problems have occurred. &nbsp;This is a large part to why I stopped blogging. &nbsp;It no longer felt real and honest. &nbsp;It just felt like something I was doing, and I was only telling only the best stories. &nbsp;Editing out much of what was going on around us, and of course not all of it was bad. I'm hoping I can keep telling our story, and tell it in the most authentic way possible.&nbsp;</div>Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16099751964687752616noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1141748953133633750.post-16913051200975131902012-06-06T19:52:00.000-05:002012-06-06T19:52:59.990-05:00Summer Fun<div style="text-align: left;">Summer is almost here! &nbsp;I am a freak that says it is whatever season it is until the day the season changes. &nbsp;I'm hoping this is going to be a good summer, and I hope it goes by very very very slowly. &nbsp;Jack starts kindergarten in the fall, and I am not ready to be without him for 7 hours a day. &nbsp;Zach says I am <i>that </i>mother. Yes, I am. &nbsp;I have been giving some thought to our summer, and I want to do some fun stuff. &nbsp;Nothing fancy, but I hope to get out of the house a bit. &nbsp;I tend to be a homebody loving her air conditioning, and not the heat when it gets really hot. &nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Summer Bucket List</span></div><div style="text-align: center;">Take the boys swimming at the pool</div><div style="text-align: center;">Hopefully, swim with Daddy at the pool a few times</div><div style="text-align: center;">Grill at least once a week</div><div style="text-align: center;">Sidewalk paint</div><div style="text-align: center;">Picnic at the park once a week</div><div style="text-align: center;">Visit all of the town splash parks</div><div style="text-align: center;">Take several night time country drives with the windows down</div><div style="text-align: center;">Play in the sprinkler</div><div style="text-align: center;">Eat dinner outside on the deck</div><div style="text-align: center;">Go bowling 3 times</div><div style="text-align: center;">Get ice cream after dinner</div><div style="text-align: center;">Have late night movie night with popcorn</div><div style="text-align: center;">Visit Peoria Zoo</div><div style="text-align: center;">Go to Chicago</div><div style="text-align: center;">Go fishing in the pond in our neighborhood</div><div style="text-align: center;">Walks and Bike Rides</div><div style="text-align: center;">Get Jack off of his training wheels</div><div style="text-align: center;">Find at least a couple local summer events to attend</div><div style="text-align: center;">Take Jack to the movies<br />Go to the farmer's market at least twice a month<br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Is there anything you are hoping do during the precious summer season?</div></div>Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16099751964687752616noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1141748953133633750.post-30529501583572621762012-05-30T15:43:00.000-05:002012-05-30T15:43:50.504-05:00This has been making me crazyI will be posting about our fantastic Memorial weekend, but this going to be a post of a different nature. &nbsp;As silly as it might sound I belong to a group on facebook just for wives of Marine recruiters. &nbsp;It has been a nice support group because only another recruiter wife has any idea of how horrible recruiting duty can be. &nbsp;It has been great because the group is spread out across the country, and it really helps to see different view points, or how things are done differently in another area. &nbsp;Sometimes though as it tends to be when you get a group of women together there is drama.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">A member posted that they are thinking about moving home with their kids getting an apartment and a job while her husband is on RD (recruiting duty). She wanted to know if anyone had actually done this, and what people thought. &nbsp;She also said that they weren't talking about a divorce. &nbsp;Recruiting duty is a three year duty. &nbsp;A few posted that it wasn't like we saw our husbands much anyway. &nbsp;This is what I said:&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;"><span class="commentBody" data-jsid="text">I have to agree with -------&nbsp;and-------. I just can't imagine that being apart would be something that would benefit both of you. I know for myself when I would go home it was helpful to me because I had my family etc, but it was very hard on my husband. He would call me asking when I was going to be home because he needed me. Even though we barely see each other my being here to support him is very important to him. I think he'd be a mess if he was having to go through this alone. I know for us it would just add more stress of him missing me and the kids. I also agree with the sex and cheating thing. I have complete trust in my husband, but I also think why put that temptation out there. Maybe you could just go home for some longish visits? See what is like, give yourself a bit of a break. Of course only the two of you know what is the best for your marriage and sanity through this RD process. Hope you can work it out! :)</span></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;"><span style="line-height: 14px;"></span></span><div class="commentActions fsm fwn fcg" style="color: grey; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 14px; padding-top: 2px; text-align: center;"><a class="uiLinkSubtle" data-ft="{&quot;tn&quot;:&quot;N&quot;}" href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/137665606310232/permalink/320674848009306/?comment_id=320813551328769&amp;offset=50&amp;total_comments=84" style="color: grey; cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none;"><abbr data-utime="1338147742" style="border-bottom-color: initial; border-bottom-style: none; border-bottom-width: initial;" title="Sunday, May 27, 2012 at 2:42pm">Sunday at 2:42pm</abbr></a>&nbsp;·&nbsp;</div><div class="commentActions fsm fwn fcg" style="color: grey; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 14px; padding-top: 2px; text-align: center;"><span class="comment_like_320813551328769 fsm fwn fcg" data-ft="{&quot;type&quot;:36,&quot;tn&quot;:&quot;&gt;&quot;}" style="color: grey; font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal;"><button class="stat_elem as_link cmnt_like_link" name="like_comment_id[320813551328769]" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; color: #3b5998; cursor: pointer; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; overflow-x: visible; overflow-y: visible; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: left; width: auto;" title="Like this comment" type="submit" value="320813551328769"><span class="default_message" style="display: inline;"><br /></span></button></span></div><div class="commentActions fsm fwn fcg" style="color: grey; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 14px; padding-top: 2px; text-align: center;"><span class="comment_like_320813551328769 fsm fwn fcg" data-ft="{&quot;type&quot;:36,&quot;tn&quot;:&quot;&gt;&quot;}" style="color: grey; font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal;"><button class="stat_elem as_link cmnt_like_link" name="like_comment_id[320813551328769]" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; color: #3b5998; cursor: pointer; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; overflow-x: visible; overflow-y: visible; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: left; width: auto;" title="Like this comment" type="submit" value="320813551328769"><span class="default_message" style="display: inline;"><br /></span></button></span></div><div class="commentActions fsm fwn fcg" style="font-weight: normal; padding-top: 2px; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I&nbsp;</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">was agreeing with two women, but I removed their names. &nbsp;One of them flat our said that men need sex (women for that matter too) and you are going to be separated for 3 years. &nbsp;This post really riled some people up people started saying that this isn't the 1950's, and why do women have to put things on hold, or why do they have to follow their man around? Um, maybe because you married a Marine? Maybe, because you are in the lifestyle of the military? This just really shocks me. &nbsp;I just don't understand someone <i>choosing</i>&nbsp;to leave their husband alone just so they can move home to their parents so things will be easier on them. &nbsp;The girl flat out said it is because she wants to work. &nbsp;If it is some type of circumstances where financially this is what is going to be best for your family then yes, sacrifices have to be made. &nbsp;If you want to work then work what is stopping you? &nbsp;Yes, you might not be near family, but there are single moms out there that go to work everyday. &nbsp;Everyday, they take their kids to daycare, and everyday they make it work. &nbsp;</span></div><div class="commentActions fsm fwn fcg" style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-weight: normal; padding-top: 2px; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3b5998;"><br /></span></div><div class="commentActions fsm fwn fcg" style="font-weight: normal; padding-top: 2px; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">She also stated that she wanted to move home because she was tired of hearing her husband complain, and was tired of having to deal with it. &nbsp;How someone could just leave their spouse at a time in his life when he's going through one of the most stressful times in his career I just don't get it. &nbsp;On the flip side several said that they agreed that if the wife had a career then she shouldn't be expected to just pack up and move. &nbsp;I'm sorry I just don't get it, and maybe because I have never been in this type of situation, but you married a Marine, or you were married and then your husband chose to become a Marine. &nbsp;Seriously, what do they think being part of the military is about? You move and sometimes every three &nbsp;years. &nbsp;Someone else mentioned not living with her husband because she was close to home, and she had friends and a life established where she was. &nbsp;By this point I was sitting screaming at my computer. You aren't moving because you have friends? FRIENDS?! Are you kidding me?! I just DO NOT get it, and maybe I sound judgmental because to each their own, and different strokes and all that. &nbsp;</span></div><div class="commentActions fsm fwn fcg" style="font-weight: normal; padding-top: 2px; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="commentActions fsm fwn fcg" style="font-weight: normal; padding-top: 2px; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I talked about it with Zach and he was just as flabbergasted as I was. &nbsp;I guess I just don't understand why you would get married, and then have children for that matter if you aren't going to live with your spouse. &nbsp;Isn't that what marriage is supposed to be about? For better or for worse? I completely understand going home for a long visit or taking a break for a bit because this duty is so isolating, and it would be nice to have some family to support you. &nbsp;Someone said that they did do something like this where they didn't live with their husband, but when they did see each other that it was awesome. &nbsp;Well, yeah it is going to be awesome. &nbsp;It is called the honeymoon phase, and military families get to experience it throughout our marriages. &nbsp;Every time our spouses comeback from a deployment, time in the field, or anything else that might separate us. &nbsp;Yes, it is wonderful but it also isn't real. &nbsp;You can't base your marriage on those feelings of euphoria of seeing each other after a long separation. &nbsp;</span></div><div class="commentActions fsm fwn fcg" style="font-weight: normal; padding-top: 2px; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="commentActions fsm fwn fcg" style="font-weight: normal; padding-top: 2px; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Another wife said that she is dealing with a similar issue of her husband wanting her and their child to move home after recruiting duty because their child will be of school age, and he doesn't want his child to be moved around school to school. &nbsp;Again. What?! I just don't get it. &nbsp;Isn't having a father figure more important than what moving around might do to a kid? Zach said it sounds like these are just couples that are too afraid for whatever reason to admit that they want a divorce. &nbsp;</span></div><div class="commentActions fsm fwn fcg" style="font-weight: normal; padding-top: 2px; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="commentActions fsm fwn fcg" style="font-weight: normal; padding-top: 2px; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I have never been in a situation like this, but if I was I would be doing whatever I had to to keep our family together. &nbsp;I especially, wouldn't be abandoning my husband when he's under the most stress he has ever been under. &nbsp;</span></div><div class="commentActions fsm fwn fcg" style="color: grey; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 14px; padding-top: 2px; text-align: center;"><span class="comment_like_320813551328769 fsm fwn fcg" data-ft="{&quot;type&quot;:36,&quot;tn&quot;:&quot;&gt;&quot;}" style="color: grey; font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal;"><button class="stat_elem as_link cmnt_like_link" name="like_comment_id[320813551328769]" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; color: #3b5998; cursor: pointer; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; overflow-x: visible; overflow-y: visible; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: left; width: auto;" title="Like this comment" type="submit" value="320813551328769"><span class="default_message" style="display: inline;"><br /></span></button></span></div><div class="commentActions fsm fwn fcg" style="color: grey; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 14px; padding-top: 2px; text-align: center;"><span class="comment_like_320813551328769 fsm fwn fcg" data-ft="{&quot;type&quot;:36,&quot;tn&quot;:&quot;&gt;&quot;}" style="color: grey; font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal;"><button class="stat_elem as_link cmnt_like_link" name="like_comment_id[320813551328769]" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; color: #3b5998; cursor: pointer; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; overflow-x: visible; overflow-y: visible; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: left; width: auto;" title="Like this comment" type="submit" value="320813551328769"><span class="default_message" style="display: inline;"><br /></span></button></span></div>Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16099751964687752616noreply@blogger.com0